Advent Photos 2021. December 14th and The Christmas Cards

Below is a picture of what is thought to be one of the first  commercial cards sent dating from 1843. Designed by John Calcott Horsley RA. after 1,000 were commissioned by his friend Henry Cole

 - a very important and busy man (including founding the Victoria and Albert Museum and being assistant to Rowland Hill in the creating of the Penny Post), who didn't have time to write letters with seasonal greetings to all his friends  and associates.

They were a financial failure - much too expensive at 1 shilling each. But the idea didn't disappear and after printing became cheaper and the postage for cards and unsealed envelopes was reduced, the postmen of the time were soon delivering 1 million cards every year.

 Now 900 million Christmas cards are sent in the UK each year.......poor post people! and for many charities Christmas card sales provide one of their most important revenue sources.

I like to buy charity cards - preferably bought in their January sales- and probably send cards that have pictures on that I would like to receive - that is, old fashioned village scenes, lots of snow and maybe robins, pheasants or owls. But really I'm just happy to receive any cards at all!

Back Tomorrow

Sue